Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival which celebrates the brother-sister bond of mutual love, care and protection. It is celebrated in the Savan month and marks the arrival of monsoon, usually corresponding with the Gregorian month of August. Traditionally, sister/s ties a “raksha” on the wrist of their brother/s as a token of their love and affection. Brothers on the other hand vow to protect their sisters under any circumstances. After the rituals are over, brother gives gifts to his sister/s to return the gesture. In some communities there is a tradition of brother going to the house of the in-laws of his sister, in case she is married, and escorting her back to her parent’s house to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. The festival of Raksha Bandhan lacks the pomp and show like other Hindu festivals, but, it is a major family event and celebrated with zeal, though privately.Raksha Bandhan is one of the main festivals in Hindu religion. Although it is celebrated across India, it holds special reference for those belonging to the northern and western parts of the country.
The priests in the country announce special time for tying rakhi on the day of Raksha Bandhan. It is time for the ladies to adorn beautiful attires and get ready for the occasion. They are mostly seen wearing ethnic ensembles with matching accessories and footwear. Men are also seen donning traditional Indian attire. The atmosphere is filled with love and joy. The ritual begins with sisters applying tilak on their brothers’ forehead. They then tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrist and exchange sweets. Sisters wish for the well being of their brothers as they carry out the ritual. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to take care of them in every situation. It is not only a special day for brothers and sisters but is also a great occasion to bond with other family members.
The advancement in technology has also helped in bringing the loved ones together on this day. The siblings living in distant lands can connect with each other via video call. Those who are unable to visit each other on rakhi celebrate the festival by seeing each other virtually on phone or laptop these days.
